Is Your Leadership Hindered by a Loyalty Obsession?

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December 8, 2023

During many years as a consultant to churches and ministries worldwide, one of the most frustrating challenges I’ve discovered within Christian organizations is an overemphasis on loyalty. I know: we all grew up with the understanding that loyalty was good – one of the most important virtues. I was an Eagle scout, and number two on the Boy Scout law was loyalty. That’s probably why so many churches and ministry organizations value loyalty far more than expertise – to the extent that they would rather hire or promote an extremely loyal person over someone more qualified. Call it a loyalty obsession. As a result, many churches and ministries are filled with employees who are very loyal, but sadly, incompetent as well. That’s why I think it’s time we took another look at the concept of loyalty, particularly as it relates to employees.

How employees view their jobs has changed dramatically over the last 10-20 years. My father’s generation were the “men in the gray flannel suits.” They were team players, and kept their jobs for life. Most of my family worked in cotton mills throughout North Carolina, and worked at the same company their entire lives. It was understood that corporate loyalty overshadowed their own personal sense of fulfillment.

Is Your Leadership Hindered by a Loyalty Obsession?

But different generations view their working life through a far different lens. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average worker currently holds 10 different jobs before age 40. Job tenures now last less than four years. Some estimate that today’s youngest workers will hold 12 to 15 jobs in their lifetimes. For a generation that’s grown up with technology upgrades and media change, multiple variations of work environments comes easily. The bottom line? Especially since the pandemic, the world of work has changed dramatically in this culture, and as a result, employee expectations are different as well.

Today, employees care less about loyalty to an organization, and more about accomplishment. Finding a place where they can grow, utilize their gifts and talents, and pursue significance, are far more important than blind loyalty. That doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t value their employer – they just value accomplishment far more.

So in the new world of work, how can a pastor or ministry leader change their attitudes toward employee loyalty, and overcome their loyalty obsession?

5 Keys to Overcoming a Loyalty Obsession

First

Understand that when an employee leaves your organization, it’s not necessarily about you. He or she is not being spiteful, shunning your friendship, or disrespecting your authority. Today, only the most insecure ministry leaders should feel hurt when employees move on to another church or organization. In fact, one pastor I know takes pride in the fact that his employees leave. He feels like he’s training a new generation to go out and grow other churches and ministries.

5 Brain Benefits of Creating Routines

By

Charles Stone

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December 8, 2023

I read a great book called Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown. In one chapter on ‘flow’ he describes the routine Michael Phelps has practiced before every race. For years he has kept the same routine… from the same time he shows up before a race… to the same number of warmup laps he swims… to the same time he removes the infamous ear buds from his ears. His routines have contributed to both his Olympic golds and his world records. Routines not only benefit Olympic athletes, but can benefit us as well. Consider these five brain benefits of creating routines.

5 Brain Benefits of Creating Routines

1. Routines help minimize uncertainty.

- Our brains don’t like uncertainty. Uncertainty engages the fight-flight-freeze-appease part of our brains (the amygdala) which can stifle clear thinking. Routines, however, help give you a greater sense of control which creates certainty, what the brain loves.
Routines make space for clearer thinking.
- In the front part of our brain, the pre-frontal cortex, executive functions like planning, abstract thinking, social intuition, and emotional control occur. However, that part of our brain tires easily. The more we use it, the more it tires which can affect our ability to think clearly, make wise decisions, and relate to others well. However, when we create routines and habits, the brain stores those routines in our habit centers (basal ganglia). As a result, routines free up working space in our pre-frontal cortex so that we can think and concentrate better on new tasks and relationships.

6 Worship Thoughts For Congregational Leaders From Eric Geiger

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Eric Geiger

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December 8, 2023

Our Lead Worship Pastor, DK (Daniel Kim), asked me to speak to all our worship leaders from all our congregations about some theological convictions that I hope inform our weekend worship gatherings. This is not an exhaustive list. Nor do I think it is an inerrant list! But I do love serving alongside others who want to discuss how our beliefs about God, the Church, and leading worship should impact how we plan our gatherings. I am thankful to serve with leaders who want what we do to be rooted in what we believe. I am passing these worship thoughts because they may be helpful for other ministry leaders.

6 Worship Thoughts

1. You shepherd the gathering of called-out ones.

As a worship leader, you are helping shepherd God’s people into the presence of the only One who can transform them. While some believe you should think first about the non-believer in the room, the word “church” means gathering and also “the called-out ones.” Our worship services are the gathering of the called-out ones, people who have been called out by His grace and placed in community with each other. At the same time, we are hospitable to guests who are exploring the Christian faith. So, we communicate in understandable language while believing that we honor the guest in our worship gatherings by showing them what we believe about our God.

2. Music, artistry, and creativity are God’s gifts and point to Him (general revelation).

Enjoy being creative because God is creative. Bring excellence in your craft because music helps us reflect, express, and be in awe. Value the artists in your care and the arts as a whole for helping people encounter God.

5 Ways to Recession-Proof Your Church

By

Allen White

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December 8, 2023

As much as you might hate to think about this, the world is on the eve of a global recession. There’s just been too much cheap money out there for too long. Now, I am a pastor and not an economist, but I play one on Facebook. (Just kidding). Sequoia Capital, one of Silicon Valley’s most successful venture capital firms that backed companies like Apple, Google, and AirBnb, just released a presentation calling for founders to preserve cash for survival. “We do not believe that this is going to be another swift V-shaped recovery like we saw at the outset of the pandemic,” Sequoia’s partners said. What does this have to do with your church? A lot. Churches have already seen giving decline due to inflation. With the oncoming recession, things are about to take a downward turn. Here are five ways you can recession-proof your church:

5 Ways to Recession-Proof Your Church

1. Manage What You Can Control

What full-time roles could become part-time? What part-time roles could become volunteer? What ministries are more of a luxury than a necessity? Or asked a nicer way, where are the bright spots in your church right now? Invest heavily in what is bearing fruit. For everything else, unfortunately, it’s time to prune.

This is the time to look at all of the staff who spend their days doom scrolling on their iPhones. Their time is up. While you may have had compassion on them during the pandemic, there are plenty of jobs out there these days. They will find something. It’s time to become a lean mean ministry machine. Now if you feel at all threatened by what I’m saying, then it is time to pour your energy and efforts into becoming an essential member of your church’s team. The more value that you can add, the less likely that you will get cut. And, the more satisfaction you will get from your work.

To recession-proof your church, ask: what things in your church’s budget can you control? Periodically, it’s a good idea to look at all of the services your church subscribes to. What is still necessary? While RightNow Media and smallgroups.org can be useful, are they necessary? What if you created your own curriculum? Your studies would more closely reflect your church’s values. If you offer a digital download, you reduce the cost of printing books. Invest in some great tools for producing curriculum like How to Ask Great Questions by Karen Lee-Thorpe or join the Effective Curriculum Writing Workshop. You might even have some talented volunteers in your church who can help you write a sermon discussion guide or study guide.

2. Sell Surplus Assets

You don’t need a garage sale (but you could have one). What property does your church own but will probably never develop? Real estate is still pretty hot right now. Before things slow way down, it might be time to liquidate excess property and build your church’s cash reserves. Pay off debt. I understand that your role may not involve decisions of this kind, but these would be helpful things to suggest to your leadership.

How to Be a More Productive Pastor

By

Church Fuel

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December 8, 2023

productive pastor — Adobestock #306961558

A pastor wears a lot of hats. One day you’re a scholar, writing a sermon to motivate your church to action. The next, you’re an administrator, organizing all the moving parts of the ministry. And the day after that, you’re a counselor, trying to help people follow Jesus with their lives. Maybe you’re also the custodian, fill-in worship leader and professional meeting leader. It’s not easy to be a productive pastor in all these areas.

When we think about stewardship, many of us think about money. But the most important limited asset we must steward is our time, being a productive pastor. Time management isn’t simply about getting more done or having more free time to do what you love, it’s about being a good steward of the gifts God has given you.

In Ephesians 5:15-17, Paul encourages believers to walk wisely and make the best use of time in days that are particularly evil.

Let’s apply that principle to our schedule, our calendar and the very churches we lead. Here are some ways to be a more productive pastor.

How to Be a More Productive Pastor

#1 – Review and plan on Sunday night.

Before you head to the office on Monday, take some time on Sunday night to reflect on the previous week and look ahead to the next one.

Preview the appointments on the calendar and look at the projects that need your attention. Review what you did last week and connect the dots to any next steps for this week. Think through what you really want to accomplish, which is much deeper than a list of random tasks.

#2 – Manage your day, not your calendar.

My friend Carey Nieuwhof says it’s important to pay attention to your energy levels and match them to your tasks. That’s why I do most of my writing in the morning, when I typically have the most energy and most of my meetings in the afternoon, when I can borrow from the energy of the room.

In order to be a productive pastor, look at your whole day and make sure you block off time for your most important projects and your most important time.

Maybe you need to block time in the morning to work on your sermon. Or maybe you need to work later one evening after you get your second wind. Adjust your day to your tasks not the other ways around.

Carey talks about this in his High Impact Leader Course, which is worth a look.

#3 – Make appointments with yourself.

Chances are, your calendar is filled with other people’s priorities for your time. Now that’s not always a bad thing, but it’s important to realize. Responding to needs is great, but we also need to intentionally plan time to work.

We frequently schedule interruptions to work (lunch with Jim, go to the dentist) and rarely schedule the work itself.

So change that.

Block off time to work on your projects. Put something on your calendar and treat it like a real appointment.

If you want to read more about this, check out my notes from Deep Work, one of the best books on work I’ve read.

#4 – Turn off notifications.

Do you really need alerts from CNN, your fantasy football league or social media?

Probably not! But even work notifications can be distracting if they pull you away from an important task at hand.

So go ahead and turn them off.

Put your phone in “Do Not Disturb” mode and turn notifications off on your computer. Those things will be there when you’re ready and you’ll be able to better concentrate on what’s important right now.

Continue

Police Release Surveillance Video of Arizona Street Preacher Getting Shot, Suspect Still Unknown

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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December 7, 2023

Street preacher — Screengrab via Facebook @Glendale Police Department - Arizona

Glendale police have released surveillance video that shows the moment when Hans Schmidt was shot in the head last month while he was street preaching on the corner of 51st and Peoria Avenue in Glendale, Arizona.

The 26-year-old is a husband, a father of two young children, a military medic veteran, and the current outreach director at Victory Chapel First Phoenix.

On Nov. 15, Schmidt was preaching in an area where he and others from the church frequently evangelize when he was struck by a bullet that traveled through his brain. The bullet is still inside him on the right side of his head.

The outreach director remains in the hospital and is slowly improving. It is still unknown who is responsible for the shooting and why it took place.

In the video, Schmidt can be seen standing on the street corner near the busy intersection when he suddenly drops to his knees. The video then shows Schmidt getting back to his feet and immediately gathering his belongings.

“It’s odd because all of a sudden you just see him go down in that video. But then he just gets right back up and collects his stuff and eventually ends up back at the church, where they really start noticing some things are wrong, and then get him to the hospital,” Sgt. Randy Stewart said.

“He definitely has a calling to preach,” Schmidt’s father, Eric, told ABC15 Arizona News earlier this week. “He grew up in the church. It’s what he’s known his whole life.”

Schmidt’s father shared that he never thought anything like this would happen to his son, particularly while he was preaching on the street.

Eric reported that his son continues to improve and “keeps trending positively the way he’s been going. I’m sure it’ll be a long road. He’s still in a delicate condition.” Schmidt has been moved from the ICU to a long-term care facility within the hospital. As of Thanksgiving, Schmidt still wasn’t talking but was able to open his eyes.

Florida State QB Jordan Travis Focuses on God’s Plan Despite Injury and Playoff Snub

By

Stephanie Martin

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December 7, 2023

For Jordan Travis and the Florida State Seminoles, the 2023 college football season isn’t ending as they had hoped. Quarterback Travis, a Heisman Trophy contender for much of the season, suffered a season-ending leg injury Nov. 18. As a result, the undefeated Seminoles—who won the ACC championship on Dec. 2—were controversially snubbed from the College Football Playoffs.

In an interview prior to his team’s omission, Travis spoke with College GameDay about his love for his teammates and his trust in God’s plan. The QB began by describing how he was “blessed” because “the good Lord woke me up this morning, so I have a smile on my face.”

Jordan Travis: ‘God Has a Different Plan for Me’

When asked about his backup players, Jordan Travis said, “I have all the faith in the world in them. A bunch of guys that have been waiting for their opportunity, man. I’ve been waiting to watch them succeed.” The QB admitted, “I wish I could be out there with the guys,” but added, “God has a different plan for me. I’m ready to see whoever goes out there today, just go out there and ball, because I know who they are.”

On Dec. 3, the CFP committee announced that Florida State wasn’t among the four selected playoff teams, despite its 13-0 record. Chairman Boo Corrigan admitted that a key factor was the injury to the Seminoles’ QB.

After that news broke, Travis posted that he was “devastated,” “heartbroken,” and “in so much disbelief.” The injured athlete wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “I wish my leg broke earlier in the season so y’all could see this team is much more than the quarterback. I thought results matter. 13-0 and this roster matches up across any team in those top 4 rankings. I am so sorry. Go Noles!”

Hours later, Travis took to social media again, thanking fans for a “great season” and reminding everyone to “control what we can control.” He added, “Let’s not let the opinions of others affect how we feel about being champions of this conference.” Florida State is scheduled to play Georgia in the Orange Bowl Dec. 30.

A Debate About Teams vs. Individuals

The sports world erupted after the committee revealed its decision. Michael Alford, Florida State’s athletic director, called his school’s omission “unforgiveable.” He said, “To eliminate them from a chance to compete for a national championship is an unwarranted injustice that shows complete disregard and disrespect for their performance and accomplishments.”

Winning games at the end of the season, without Travis available, should have worked in FSU’s favor, Alford argued. Instead, he said, the committee “failed college football.”

FSU head coach Mike Norvell wrote that he’s “hurting for our players who have displayed a tremendous amount of resilience and response this season.” His team “was cheated” by the CFP committee, he said, despite overcoming “tremendous adversity” to keep winning.

Elementary Students Use Church ‘Reverse Offering’ Money To Launch Campaign To Pay Off School Lunch Debts

By

Dale Chamberlain

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December 7, 2023

A group of elementary school students in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has launched a campaign to pay off school lunch debts following a “reverse offering” given by Embrace Church to congregants.

The money that the multisite church gave to its congregants was intended to be used in the community to bless others this holiday season.

This is not the first time Embrace has given a reverse offering. In 2021, Embrace Church gave out $40,000 to be used in the community.

This year, the church gave out $60,000. Each child in the congregation was given $5.

Armed with their $5 bills, three elementary-aged girls set out to multiply their offering to pay off school lunch debts.

“It’s pretty sad to see people not eat,” 8-year-old Leah Anderson told KELO.

The total school lunch debt in the Sioux Falls School District is roughly $92,000, according to SD War College. After students have accrued $75 or more in debt, they are not provided with lunch again “until the account is back in good standing.”

According to Sioux Falls Simplified, more than 1,800 students in Sioux Falls currently have negative school lunch balances.

The girls have launched a donation-matching campaign online and in their local community with a goal of turning a $5 donation into a $500 donation.

Nine-year-old Liz Jaspers said, “We told them there’s people in our grade and we watch them and they come to school with no lunch and it’s not because they forgot it at home.”

Pastor Steve Gaines Reveals His Cancer Has Spread to His Lungs

By

Jessica Lea

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December 7, 2023

Steve Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tennessee, shared in an update Wednesday, Dec. 6, that his cancer has spread to his lungs. In a video announcement to his church filmed with his wife, Donna, Steve said that he and Donna had been “overwhelmed by your love, your prayers, and your words of encouragement.”

“Words are inadequate to express our love and our gratitude,” said Steve, noting that many people had prayed and fasted for him and his wife.

Steve and Donna Gaines Share Update

Steve Gaines, 65, has pastored his Memphis-area church for 18 years, and he served as the president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2016 to 2018. On Nov. 19, he announced that he had been diagnosed with kidney cancer. The pastor asked for prayers and said that he would be visiting MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

In the couple’s Dec. 6 update on Steve’s condition, Donna observed that they had already planned for a two-week vacation when they learned of Steve’s cancer. She said they have been thankful to rest and that she has used the time to get “Steve acclimated to his new lifestyle of vegetable juice and salad. As we prepare for upcoming treatments, we do want his body to be as healthy as possible.”

Steve then said that following the discovery of cancer in his kidneys, doctors ran more tests, “and during those tests, they discovered that cancer had also spread to my lungs.”

“I have a great team of doctors who are working hard to come up with the best treatment plan possible,” he said. “More than anything, we continue to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for complete healing.”

Donna explained that Steve is going to receive a port this week “that will allow him to begin chemotherapy as soon as possible.” She also said that three medications have been released recently that have been “very effective against his type of cancer” and that doctors “are encouraged.” She asked that people would continue to pray.

Steve said that he and his wife would be going to MD Anderson during the second week of January. There, they will consult with doctors about his condition, as well as his treatment plan. “We really don’t expect any major updates over the next few weeks,” he said, assuring his church that the couple will keep the congregation apprised of any major changes and that he would provide another update after the visit to the cancer center.

Votes on War Force Washington Democrats To Reckon With Faith, Conscience and Politics

By

Jack Jenkins

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December 7, 2023

Votes-on-war-force-Washington-Democrats-to-reckon-with-faith-conscience-and- — Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., from left, speaks alongside Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich.; Rep. Jonathan Jackson, D-Ill.; and Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., during a vigil with state legislators and faith leaders on hunger strike outside the White House to demand that President Joe Biden call for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, on Nov. 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard)

WASHINGTON (RNS) — U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman doesn’t technically wear his faith on his sleeve, but he comes pretty close. On his shoulder, he sports a tattoo of his favorite passage from Scripture: “Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with God,” it says in Hebrew, a quote from the biblical Book of Micah.

“God says very clearly, here’s what you should do,” said Landsman, pointing out that it is one of the few passages where God directly answers a question (“what does the Lord require of you?”) with an explicit directive.

Landsman, who studied economics and political science at The Ohio State University before attending Harvard Divinity School, said that as a member of Congress, “the degree in economics and a degree in theology have been the most useful.”

It has also been painful. The past few weeks, many members of Congress have been living on a knife’s edge, caught between their conscience and political calculation as they vote on what many see as the fate of Israel and the future of Palestinians.

Over the last two months, Landsman, a Jewish freshman congressman who represents a Cincinnati district with an influential Jewish vote, has faced what for him were tortuous votes on aid for Israel in its war against Hamas and the censure of a Democratic colleague for her pro-Palestinian rhetoric — votes that split Landsman’s loyalty to his ideals, to his party and to his relationships with other lawmakers.

Landsman was one of just 12 Democrats who backed the Israel aid package even though House Speaker Mike Johnson had attached a poison pill amendment draining funds from President Joe Biden’s retooling of the IRS to go after the very rich. After the vote, Landsman left the House floor in tears, furious at what he viewed as Johnson’s playing politics with Israel’s ability to fight the war, according to Semafor.

But drawing on his “foundational study” of the Torah, the Bible and the Quran, Landsman also raged that Johnson, a vocal evangelical Christian, had violated the teachings of Scripture.

U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, in Washington. (RNS photo/Jack Jenkins)

“Protecting billionaires? Not in the Bible,” Landsman, who once served as former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland’s director of faith-based and community initiatives, said a few days after the vote.

Landsman’s yes vote, he told Religion News Service, was about “making sure that our allies have the resources they need to end this (war) as quickly as possible.”

A few days later, he joined the majority in a 234-188 vote in censuring Michigan Democrat Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in the House, for what they described as “calling for the destruction of the state of Israel” in her use of the slogan “From the river to the sea.” Just 23 other Democrats voted for the censure resolution.

‘The Prince of Egypt’ Live-Action Musical Is Now Streaming

By

Kathryn Post

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December 7, 2023

(RNS) — Over two decades since DreamWorks’ widely acclaimed 1998 animated movie “The Prince of Egypt” wooed religious and nonreligious viewers alike, a live-action staged version debuted on streaming platforms Tuesday (Dec. 5).

With a book by the film’s original screenwriter, Philip LaZebnik, and 10 additional songs from multi-Grammy and Academy Award-winner Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked,” “Godspell”), the musical adaptation features the same sweeping storyline, iconic characters and beloved songs of the original film. But the story emerges afresh in a new art form, where dancers embody a churning Nile River, convulsing desert sands and the rippling flames of the burning bush, at choreographer Sean Cheesman’s direction.

The adaptation also makes room for viewers to sit in the tragic moments of the Exodus narrative, featuring an almost existential Moses grappling with the death of Egypt’s firstborn sons. Filmed by Universal Studios International in December 2021 at the West End’s 2,000-seat Dominion Theatre in London, the show will be available to rent or buy on YouTube, Xfinity, Prime Video, Apple TV and more. Religion News Service spoke with the show’s director, Scott Schwartz (son of Stephen Schwartz), about the West End production almost a decade in the making. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What were some of the challenges and opportunities of adapting this film for the stage?

It was such a wonderful opportunity because it’s just a fantastic film. And it has an amazing score, and it has these great central characters, and it’s an iconic story. I mean, my last name is Schwartz, so as I was growing up, we told the story of Moses and celebrated Passover. So to get to tell this story in a fresh, contemporary way on stage was an amazing opportunity. I think the challenge is, the show is both massive because it’s dealing with an entire people and these major events which are central to all Western religions, and also these geopolitical events. But it’s also a very intimate and very human story. So how to balance the epic scale of this story with these detailed, complicated human relationships was a challenge. But also a wonderful challenge.

You mentioned hearing the story of Passover growing up. Do you have any personal spiritual worldview that informed your approach to directing this show?

Poster for “The Prince of Egypt: The Musical.” (Courtesy image)

What I wanted to do as the director was tell the story for people who are believers and also for people who are not believers. I wanted to imbue the story with as much humanity and as much human truth as possible and honor the story as told in the Bible, but also as told in the DreamWorks animated feature, so you could bring your own set of beliefs to it. And that was really my approach as director.

The cast who voiced the characters in the original film included many acclaimed actors, but they were almost universally white. When it came to casting for the West End production, how did you and your team consider race and ethnicity?

We felt that was very, very important. And we also were creating the show in a different time than the movie was originally created. One of the things that’s beloved about the movie is there are characters on the screen who are of different ethnicities, and different races than maybe a lot of animated features up until that time had been on screen. And so we really wanted to embrace that, and embrace the truth of, what would the racial and ethnic backgrounds of these people be? We tried to cast many actors from very diverse backgrounds, with a focus on actors who had Northern African and Egyptian backgrounds. But we also, of course, wanted to cast actors of Jewish heritage because the story is also a Jewish story. And because this story is so central to cultures all around the world, we also had actors from all over the world. So we tried to find a balance, but we were really proud of where we ended up.

What was it like to work with your father on this show?

We had a wonderful time working on the show together, and we really tried to keep it professional. I was the director. He was the composer. Before the West End, my father came to me after we did the show in Denmark, and he said, I just think we need to see more dance in the second act. I think we need a moment of joy, because in the second act the story gets very, very serious. And we need to see the celebratory nature of these people as well. And he said, What if we create a number that would involve a lot of dance? I got really excited about it and I called (the choreographer) Sean and we talked about what the style of dance could be. And Sean was very interested in sort of a dance that involves sand. And we really built the number “Simcha” together over a course of time, about when the Hebrews find out they have been freed by Ramses the first time.

7 Ways To Motivate Leaders

By

Ron Edmondson

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December 7, 2023

Do you ever struggle to keep the keep the leaders on your team motivated? How do you motivate a leader?

Certainly, you want the maximum potential out of the team. You want their best contributions to your team. Learning how to motivate leaders on your team is a critical step in leading well.

It may not be as difficult as you may think. Most leader-types share some common traits. They may lead entirely different—they may have different causes and interests, but most leaders are motivated by similar influences.

7 Ways To Motivate Leaders

Give Them a Challenge To Meet

If you tell a leader it “can’t be done,” expect to see some motivation accelerate. Most leaders love to strive for the impossible. Give them something that seems out of their reach and you are likely to get them on board.

Celebrate Results

When leaders celebrate a win, it fuels their desire for another. Leaders thrive on accomplishment. Something in the DNA of a leader loves to win.

Share Enthusiasm

Paint an exciting and compelling vision and you’ve likely got a leader’s attention. (This is also why you have to continually repeat the vision.)

Involve Some Risk

Tell a leader something is “risky” and he or she may be motivated to attempt it. Leaders love a challenge. In fact, one way to tell the difference in a potential good leader and a good manager (we need both) is the amount of risk they are willing to assume.

Embrace Change

Leaders, by definition, are creators of movement. When things get stale, throw a little change in the mix and a leader has a new incentive to lead. When a leader gets too comfortable they get bored. They’d often rather live with drama than staleness or routine.

Invite Chaos

It sounds strange, but even a little controversy or conflict can fuel a leader. When the situation is overwhelming a leader goes to work. Leaders love to fix things—improve them—make things better. It may even be messy along the way. (Which is also why every good leader needs a good manager.)

Have Big Dreams

Leaders are visionary. They want to accomplish something bigger than today. The bigger the dream, the bigger the motivation for the leader.

In my opinion, it is useless to have leaders on your team if you don’t lead them lead or use them to their full potential. If you want to get the most out of a leader, you have to learn how to motivate them and keep them motivated.

This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.

What Makes Effective Bible Teachers?

By

Josh Hunt

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December 7, 2023

We desperately need an army of effective Bible teachers. What is an effective bible teacher?

What Makes Effective Bible Teachers?

An effective Bible teacher teaches so that people live according to the Bible. Effective Bible teachers create doers of the Word, and not hearers only. They make disciples.

Effective Bible Teachers result in classes that pray, people who serve, and individuals who read their Bibles and follow what it says.

Effective Bible Teachers create people who love the Lord God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Effective Bible Teachers lead people to know their spiritual gifts and serve according to their gifting. Effective Bible Teachers teach people to abide in Christ.

Effective Bible Teachers love the people in their small group. They hang out with them. They serve them. They have them in their homes. They are with them.

Effective Bible Teachers lead people to love. They lead people to lay down their lives in service to others. They lead people to care.

Effective Bible Teachers lead people to love the Word as they love the Word. The Psalmist said it is sweeter than honey. In another place, “Oh how I love your law.” It was not mere duty and obligation. It was a delight.

Effective Bible Teachers make a difference. Their classes are different because of the way they teach. Their people are different because of their influence on the lives of individual members. Their corner of the world is different because it is infected by people who are salt and light.

People who listen to Effective Bible Teachers love it. They can feel their hearts changed each week as they are exposed to the effective teaching of the Word of God. They look forward to getting together. They rarely miss.

When they are in the small group, they don’t look at their watches. They don’t fiddle with their keys. They don’t day-dream. They are engaged, interested, thinking, participating, disagreeing. They often find themselves with their hand up. Sometimes they blurt out things because they just feel they have to participate. They have experienced the truth of the Proverb that says:

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive. Proverbs 15:2a (HCSB)

The Living Bible is characteristically fresh:

A wise teacher makes learning a joy. Proverbs 15:2 (TLB)

Things are quite different in the small group that does not have an Effective Bible Teacher. Attendance is sporadic. People often arrive late. They look at their feet a lot. There is not much energy in the room. People rarely speak up unless called upon. They never write anything down.

We need an army of Effective Bible Teachers. It does not matter if they teach in a home group or in an on-campus Sunday School class. What matters is that the teacher is an Effective Bible Teacher. It doesn’t matter if they lead a children’s class or an adult class. Obviously, specific methods would have to be different in each case. What matters is that the teaching is effective.

This excerpt first appeared here, and is from The Effective Bible Teacher, by Josh Hunt

God Can Do More in a Moment Than We Can Do in a Lifetime

By

Matt Brown

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December 7, 2023

A dear friend and mentor Ronnie Floyd has shared many times that “God can do more in a moment than we can do in a lifetime.” Dr. Floyd has encountered this in his life and ministry.

He built a great church and skillfully guided the Southern Baptist denomination over the years. He now travels and preaches in churches and has a powerful ministry in his latter years. At the church he built, Cross Church in Northwest Arkansas he saw this principle firsthand as in a season of spiritual dryness he cried out to the Lord and began what became a 40-day fast without food, God broke through in a profound way in his church.

God built His church. He promises to do this. God wants to move in our lives and our world. He calls us to pray and seek Him, and He will respond and meet with us.

The move of God does not come by human effort, or human skill or human influence. God’s work does not get accomplished by the genius of man. It comes through prayer and supplication and dependance on God for His work to go forth.

When we look around us and see needs in our lives and in our communities and our world, we should know that we cannot meet all of them, but God can and will respond to us as we pray and seek Him and dedicate ourselves to Him in a new way.

I want you to think about the needs that press around you in your life, family, workplace and nation, and consider how God wants to call you to a new dedication to Him to move:

1. God Can Do More in Your Life — in a Moment.

What do you need God to do in your life? What problems are you facing? Have you been trying to do it all in your flesh, or are you remembering to depend on the Holy Spirit?

Bring your needs to the Lord. Bring your dreams to the Lord. Bring your goals to the Lord. Bring your desires to the Lord. He can do more than you can.

D.L. Moody once said, “Bring your life to God. He can do more with it than you can.”

Commit yourself again to your “first love” for the Lord, to the simple gospel, and to wholehearted surrender to God’s higher purpose for your life, and watch what He can do when you live for Him.

2. God Can Do More in Your Family — in a Moment.

What are the needs in your family? Is your marriage growing dry. Are you frustrated with your children? When is the last time you prayed for them?

God can do more in a moment in your family, than you can do in a lifetime. Commit your family to Him. Make time to pray and read the Bible and to play with your family. God blesses these times as you commit yourselves as a family to Him. You can build a powerful spiritual covering over your home and marriage as you pray and call down the presence of God in your home. People will visit and comment on the peace they feel when they are in your home. God can do more in your family than you could ever dream.

2 Great Examples of Churches Doing Digital Ministry

By

DJ Chuang

-

December 7, 2023

digital ministry — Source: Screencapture

During the global pandemic shut-down, churches had to find a way to help people when physical connections were not possible. Valuable skills and experiences were learned as 96% of churches streamed their worship services online during the pandemic. Now that things are opening up again, many churches are in the process of discerning and deciding what to do with digital ministry. Let’s take a look at two examples of churches that have successfully leveraged digital ministry to reach more people with faith, hope, and love.

Reaching More People to Spread the Word of the Gospel

Life.church has a saying, “To reach people no one is reaching, we will do things no one is doing.” Founded in 1996, this congregation has experienced over 25 years of change, including technological developments, a global pandemic, and an entirely new approach to worship—online. Yet their ability to adapt and embrace new ways of thinking continues to define their success.

Pivoting from their previous domain, LifeChurch.tv, and rebranding to Life.church was a big decision. At the time, it affected more than 70,000 people in attendance, not to mention adjusting all of the church’s branding, stationery, signage, communications, and more. It was a significant undertaking—but it certainly paid off.

“We believe the transition to Life.Church creates the opportunity to share and talk about the church in a natural way. Plus, it’s a more effective way for people to find and identify us as a church, too.”

—Bobby Gruenewald, Pastor at Life.Church

While the change only involved dropping two characters, its impact has been significant and positive. Life.church immediately felt more natural, and piqued new visitors’ interest when they arrived on the site. It is short, sweet, and inviting—reinforcing their mission to “make a lasting difference in your life.”

Life.church also partners with thousands of other churches around the world, with the belief that when churches work together, they can better serve the world. In addition to providing thousands of free resources through its Open Network library (Open.life.church), Life.church also provides a free Church Online Platform to empower churches to facilitate worship services on the web.

This platform saw record-breaking attendance in mid-March 2020, as 42,000 churches signed up to use it, in addition to the 25,000 churches that had already registered to use the platform pre-pandemic.

To make the online worship experience more engaging, the platform has interactive chat rooms and live prayer features in addition to their video stream. What’s more, the platform allows churches to add a custom domain name. This gives churches another opportunity to strengthen their brand across all communications.

For example, Victory Church in Oklahoma has its website at Victory.church and its church online at Live.victory.church, smoothly integrating the church’s online worship with its in-person worship and other ministries. Similarly, Bridgeport Church in Portland, Oregon, has its website at Bridgeport.church and church online at Online.bridgeport.church.

New Ways to Connect and Serve the Community

These spiritual communities aren’t the only ones reaping the rewards of a more memorable brand name. Canvas.church, a congregation of roughly 4,000 people with four locations across Montana, chose .church for its searchability and memorability features.

Like Life.Church, Canvas Church is no stranger to change. With beginnings in 1915, this spiritual community’s evolution spans decades. Under new leadership by pastors Kevin and Tiffany Geer, the church rebranded in 2014 and was reintroduced to the Flathead Valley as Canvas Church, with updated facilities and new ministries. In September 2017, they embraced a stronger online presence too—launching Canvas.church.

“We want to keep things as easy to remember and [as] simple as possible and so when canvas.church became available, we took it.”

—Justin Stewart, Creative Director at Canvas Church

This decision to open their digital front doors with an inviting, memorable .church domain name has given them a new way to connect with communities across Montana, expanding their reach. “The biggest impact is the shareability of Canvas.church,” explained Justin. “It’s easy for staff and regular attenders to say check us out at canvas.church.”

Are you ready to embrace digital ministry?

Open your digital front door and reach more people with .church domains. Get yours today at Name.church, or your favorite registrar. Make sure to include “church” in your search.

Living Under the Law and Looking Foolish

By

Chet Gladkowski

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December 7, 2023

Thank you very much, but I really don’t need any help looking foolish. I mastered the skill of looking foolish long ago and continue to refine it with each and every opportunity.

Just the other day, I put knee pads on and was down on the floor building something for my wife, Mary Ann. Without any help from anyone, I managed to fall off my knees and onto the floor. Let me repeat – I fell off my knees. The fall wasn’t far, but I did fall off my knees and landed on the floor.

No one ran up and pushed me over. The dog didn’t leap up and knock me down. There was no sudden gust of wind. There wasn’t even an earthquake. All it took was me, and I fell off my knees and onto my butt. Looking foolish. Clever, huh?

For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” Galatians 3:10-12

People always, always, always do things that they think will benefit them. Even when they do something unspeakable to themselves, they ultimately think they’re doing something that will help them.

Living Under the Law and Looking Foolish

As Paul describes these people, they decided to move from God’s free forgiveness and grace and put themselves under a whole lot of rules and regulations. They thought it was a good idea. After all, everything in life takes work, so why not working to be loved by God. But, when they decided to give obeying laws a try, they really didn’t help themselves. Just the opposite, they hurt themselves. Or to quote Paul, they put themselves under a curse. They moved away from God’s fully paid love and blessing and towards having to do it all themselves.

They had been in the land of God’s forgiveness and moved into a country where the only thing they could do was to break God’s laws. That’s what you do to yourself when you decide to try and make God love you for what you do.

You take God down from being a loving heavenly Father and make him into a boss. You only stay employed if you do what the boss says. There is no unconditional acceptance or love. Only deadlines, task lists. Do this by this date or there will consequences.

Bosses are never satisfied. You might have worked hard to achieve some big project. You might even have received an “atta-boy” in the form of an email, or even a debit card for Starbucks. But then you move onto the next project, the next thing to do, and you start all over again.

Christmas Games for Children: 5 Last-Minute KidMin Ideas

By

ChildrensMinistry.com

-

December 6, 2023

Need last-minute Christmas games for children? Then search no further! Try out these five festive, fun activities. They’re perfect for Sunday school or a kidmin Christmas party.

Christmas is a beautiful time to reflect on the birth of our Savior. But let’s face it: Sometimes things can be hectic and unpredictable—especially in children’s ministry. You need some easy-to-use Christmas games to pull out in a pinch.

You might not know how many kids to expect. The main service might take a little longer than usual. Kids could need some extra time to let out their sugar-induced energy. And somehow, you have to adjust plans without any notice.

So we’re here to help! Here are five fun and festive Christmas games for children that require zero prep and zero supplies. Keep these ideas in your back pocket, just in case you need them. Then pull them out and play them on the fly. Merry Christmas!

5 Christmas Games for Children to Play at Church

1. Christmas Carol Freeze

First, play this fun, active Christmas game. Kids run around the room but must listen carefully. When you shout out the name of a Christmas carol, kids freeze in place in a pose that represents that song. There’s no right or wrong pose, so let kids express their creativity!

Here’s a list of songs you can name:

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Joy to the World
Away in a Manger
What Child Is This?
We Three Kings
Go Tell It on the Mountain
Angels We Have Heard on High
Silent Night
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

After the game, lead kids in this discussion.

Ask:

Why did you decide on the poses you did?
Which Christmas carol is your favorite, and why?

Say: Christmas songs are a great way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus came to earth as a baby, born to be our Savior.

Use music to teach your kids more about Jesus’ birth. Check out Songs of the Christmas Story or More Songs of the Christmas Story.

2. Shepherd’s Telephone

Next, your kids will love this fun game of Telephone. Kids sit in a circle or a side-by-side line and whisper a message down the line. The messages are things the shepherds might have told people.

First, read Luke 2:17. Then whisper the following messages to the first child in line, one message at a time. Let kids whisper the message all the way down the line or around the circle. Then have the last child announce aloud what they heard.

Have kids whisper these messages:

We saw a whole bunch of angels.
The angels told us they had good news of great joy.
The Savior was born today in Bethlehem.
We got to see baby Jesus wrapped snugly in strips of cloth.
Jesus was lying in a manger.
Jesus is God’s Son—the Savior of the world!
You have to go see him for yourself!

If time allows, kids can also make up things they think the shepherds might have told people.

After the game, lead kids in this discussion.

Ask:

What happened when you shared your messages?
What do you think happened when the shepherds shared their messages?
This Christmas, what’s one thing you can tell someone about Jesus?

Say: The shepherds were so excited because they knew Jesus wasn’t an ordinary baby. He was God’s Son, the one they had been waiting for to save them. Like the shepherds, we can tell everyone the exciting news about Jesus!

Flamy Grant Welcomed by Virginia Baptist Church; Protestor Holds Up Sign: ‘Watching Drag Queens Will Drag You to Hell’

By

Jesse T. Jackson

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December 6, 2023

Flamy Grant, the drag queen who attended this year’s Dove Awards alongside Derek Webb (Caedmon’s Call) and Grace Baldridge (Semler), performed at a Baptist church in Virginia on Saturday (Dec. 2).

Matthew Blake is an openly queer man who dresses in drag and goes by the stage name “Flamy Grant.” “I’m a singing/songwriting drag queen named after arguably the most successful Christian artist of all time,” Grant says.

“A SHAME-SLAYING, HIP-SWAYING, SINGING-SONGWRITING QUEEN,” reads the concert series promotion from Grace Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. “The comedy queen with the blistering voice, Flamy Grant, is a gospel and roots musician from the Bible Belt who will move you, soothe you, help you heal some trauma and always leave you laughing.”

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CFB) church boasted of Flamy Grant’s achievements, saying Grant is the first drag queen to release a “full-length contemporary Christian album.” The church also touted the fact that Grant climbed to the No. 1 spot on the iTunes Christian album charts and landed a Top 20 spot on Billboard’s Christian Digital Song Sales for a collaboration with Webb on the single “Good Day.”

The concert was free, but the church asked for donations to be given to Diversity Richmond, a LGBTQ+ organization that describes itself as “the hub for the LGBTQ+ community of Greater Richmond connecting people, partners and programs through our work as a catalyst, a voice, a place and a resource.”

Photos posted by Grant showed two protestors, one of whom was holding a sign that read: “Watching drag queens will drag you to hell – Romans 1:18-32.” The other was speaking though a bullhorn. Another photo showed a handful of the church pews that were filled with concertgoers.

Flamy Grant posted on social media that the protestor holding the sign is named Kaylee and that her husband was the one street preaching.

“She and her husband were my first ever in-person protesters at yesterday’s show in Richmond, VA,” Grant said. “The video is clipped from the livestream from the bodycam she was wearing. She’s responsible for her actions, yes. But I also know the dynamics at play here.”

“I see the effort you put into that sign, girl,” Grant added. “You’ve got a creative spirit and you take pride in your work. I hope one day you get to channel that energy into something that makes you happy and helps others. Rooting for you. 🫶.”

‘God, You Are Good’—Steven Curtis Chapman Remembers Daughter Maria 15 Years After Her Tragic Death

By

Janna Firestone

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December 6, 2023

CCM artist Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, endured the unthinkable 15 years ago. Their daughter, Maria Sue Chapman, then just 5 years old, died in a tragic accident. The couple has been open about their journey of grief since the accident, and Chapman has said that life without Jesus “leads to hopelessness and utter darkness.”

“There’s humility in just knowing: God, you are God, and I am not,” Chapman said to Christian Headlines. “But even having walked through our own personal loss of our daughter and 15 years into that journey—that doesn’t go away, that doesn’t get easier. What do you do with that?”

Grieving With Hope: Steven Curtis Chapman Reflects on Daughter Maria, Gone Too Soon

On May 21, 2008, Maria Sue Chapman was playing outside and lost her life in a tragic accident. Mary Beth Chapman, in her book “Choosing to SEE,” tells more of the details of that awful day. The family had just celebrated the engagement of one of their older daughters, and they were planning for the graduation of one of their sons.

A family member was slowly driving on the family’s long driveway and didn’t see Maria rushing out to greet him. Maria was struck by the vehicle and died from her injuries.

Mary Beth’s raw, unfiltered account of that day (and the years before and after) depicted an imperfect, Christ-centered family that regularly practiced love and grace.

Chapman told Christian Headlines that he’s been able to say,

God, you are faithful. And you’re good. I don’t understand all of this. But I know the fact that we are on our own personal journey, 15 years into this journey, and we can see you working and redeeming and restoring us, even this side of heaven, believing and knowing that, ultimately, that healing is going to come when you do wipe every tear from our eyes, and all of these things that are so broken, are made whole again. But in the meantime, I’m gonna trust you, I’m gonna keep singing about your goodness and your faithfulness.

“Because I’ve experienced it, I’ve seen it, tasted [it],” Chapman said, “and [I’ve] seen that you are good, even with the hard and sadness and the ache and the longing that we live with. And I think that’s a simple message, but it’s just where I feel like God has put me.”

On X (formerly Twitter), Chapman shared old family photos, including of Maria Sue. He said, “God is with us…God is for us…God is faithful…God is good…still!”

The artist then quoted the now-late Pastor Tim Keller about grief: “Grieve with hope; wake up and be at peace; laugh in the face of death, and sing for joy at what’s coming. If Jesus Christ has you by the hand, you can sing.”

A day of “remembering” for our family…

God is with is…God is for us…God is faithful…God is good…STILL!

“Grieve with hope; wake up and be at peace; laugh in the face of death, and sing for joy at what’s coming. If Jesus Christ has you by the hand, you can sing.”
Tim Keller… pic.twitter.com/g9OMSBHZjG

— Steven Curtis Chapman (@StevenCurtis) May 22, 2023

Nearly 200,000 friends, family members, and fans interacted with the post, many remembering that terrible day. “We are forever changed by her beautiful life and the way in which your family has been honest about the grief and hope journey. She holds a piece of our hearts even as outsiders and I can’t wait to meet her when ‘everything sad comes untrue,'” one comment read.

Lecrae’s ‘Prostitution Story’ Illustrates the Worth That All People Have

By

Jessica Lea

-

December 6, 2023

Hip hop artist Lecrae has decided to tell the “prostitution story” he referred to in the first episode of his new podcast, “Deep End with Lecrae.” While the interaction, which he had as a young man, confused him at the time, in retrospect it highlights the inherent value that all people have.

“It haunted me for some time because I didn’t know what to make of it,” said Lecrae, who shared that not even his mother knows this story. That’s all right, though, he said, because “I’ve learned and I’ve grown.”

Lecrae on ‘Swimming in Trauma’

Lecrae, a Grammy Award-winning Christian hip hop artist, has started a podcast where he discusses some of the most difficult parts of his life in the hopes of helping others find healing. In the most recent episode, he responded to requests from his audience to share what he had previously referred to as a “prostitution story.”

The artist shared that when he was about 18 or 19 years old, he had a close friend whose uncle had served a lot of time in prison. After getting out, the uncle had a habit of spending his time drunk in strip clubs. Lecrae and his friend would regularly pick up the uncle from the strip clubs and, as a result, ended up spending a lot of their time around pimps, strippers and prostitutes.

Because the two friends were in that environment so often, they became friends with the strippers and prostitutes and got to know their “dark backstories.” Strip clubs consequently lost their “allure,” said Lecrae, but the lifestyle associated with them came to seem like a “normal reality.” The artist said he got so used to this reality that the “chaos and trauma” the people in it experienced started to seem as though “it wasn’t a bad thing.”

One night, Lecrae’s friend hooked up with a prostitute and encouraged Lecrae to do the same with the girl’s friend, so Lecrae agreed. “Now, I had definitely had a one night stand before,” he said. “I had definitely put myself in positions where, you know, it was objectifying a woman. But I don’t think, I don’t think my body was willing to shun the reality of the trauma that I was introducing it to.”

He explained that when it came down to actually sleeping with the prostitute, he found that he couldn’t do it—and he didn’t know why. “It was weird.”

“What I know now through therapy,” he said, is that at that point in his life, he used promiscuity to seek love in order to deal with trauma in his past. That was why he was open to objectifying that girl that night. And she, with her own struggles, was willing for him to do so.

“Here we are, just two people swimming in trauma, and I cannot [go through with sleeping with her],” he said. “I see you as more than that, even though I don’t want to acknowledge that in this moment.”

Referencing the book, “The Body Keeps the Score,” Lecrae said that his body instinctively knew that what he was about to do was “traumatic,” even though he didn’t consciously understand why he was hesitating.

Is Your Leadership Hindered by a Loyalty Obsession?

5 Keys to Overcoming a Loyalty Obsession

First

5 Brain Benefits of Creating Routines

1. Routines help minimize uncertainty.

Routines make space for clearer thinking.

6 Worship Thoughts

1. You shepherd the gathering of called-out ones.

2. Music, artistry, and creativity are God’s gifts and point to Him (general revelation).

5 Ways to Recession-Proof Your Church

1. Manage What You Can Control

2. Sell Surplus Assets

How to Be a More Productive Pastor

#1 – Review and plan on Sunday night.

#2 – Manage your day, not your calendar.

#3 – Make appointments with yourself.

#4 – Turn off notifications.

Jordan Travis: ‘God Has a Different Plan for Me’

A Debate About Teams vs. Individuals

Steve and Donna Gaines Share Update

What were some of the challenges and opportunities of adapting this film for the stage?

You mentioned hearing the story of Passover growing up. Do you have any personal spiritual worldview that informed your approach to directing this show?

The cast who voiced the characters in the original film included many acclaimed actors, but they were almost universally white. When it came to casting for the West End production, how did you and your team consider race and ethnicity?

What was it like to work with your father on this show?

7 Ways To Motivate Leaders

Give Them a Challenge To Meet

Celebrate Results

Share Enthusiasm

Involve Some Risk

Embrace Change

Invite Chaos

Have Big Dreams

What Makes Effective Bible Teachers?

1. God Can Do More in Your Life — in a Moment.

2. God Can Do More in Your Family — in a Moment.

Reaching More People to Spread the Word of the Gospel

New Ways to Connect and Serve the Community

Are you ready to embrace digital ministry?

Read More

Living Under the Law and Looking Foolish

5 Christmas Games for Children to Play at Church

1. Christmas Carol Freeze

2. Shepherd’s Telephone

Grieving With Hope: Steven Curtis Chapman Reflects on Daughter Maria, Gone Too Soon

Lecrae on ‘Swimming in Trauma’

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